The learner will study about the peoples of the Western Hemisphere and the physical environments in which they live. As they examine social, economic, and political institutions, they will analyze similarities and differences among societies.
Concepts for this study of the Western Hemisphere are drawn from history and the social sciences, but the primary discipline is geography, especially cultural geography.
Half the program at fifth grade is devoted to the study of the United States.
 

Competencies:
History
Competency Goal 11 The learner will analyze changes in ways of living and investigate why and how these changes occurred.
 11.1 Identify and describe changes which have occurred in ways of living in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
11.3 Evaluate the effects of change on the lives of the people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
Competency Goal 12 The learner will trace developments in the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America and assess their impact on the lives of people today.
 12.1 Identify people, symbols, and events associated with the heritage of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
12.2 Associate an event or phenomenon in the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America with a current situation or practice.

12.3 Trace an economic, political, or social development through the history of the United States, Canada, or Latin America and judge its impact on society.